SCR 2/1476/82 II
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2
measures on the Hong Kong side to deal with the problem we sought Chinese help in putting an end to it. In both cases the Chinese showed awareness of the problems and said they would continue to take steps to deal with them. They acknowledged a particular problem of illegal emigration from Haifeng County (we tactfully refrained from referring to the recent execution of the former First Party Secretary of Haifeng County and the Chinese did not mention it either).
5.
The place where the meeting was held, Zhaoqing, is an attractive resort town some 80 miles west of Canton, reached by a three hour road journey from Canton including a ferry crossing of the North River. The Chinese proved most attentive hosts, accompanying us on a sightseeing tour the second day. It was noteworthy that there was no mention of 1997, or of differences between the British and Chinese Governments: the accent was entirely on cooperation, and how best to continue it. I do not think any wider significance should be attached to this; it is clearly in the Chinese interest, as it is in ours, to maintain practical cooperation at the local level while the future is discussed in the diplomatic talks in Peking.
cc M Elliott Esq, FED FCO
A C Galsworthy Esq, PEKING
Yours ever, Rozmi
(R J T McLaren)